Press Releases

MAT RELEASE — ANNUAL VET VISIT FOR FLEA AND TICK SEASON
Vet Visits Don’t Have To Be Feared

by Dr. Debra Nickelson, D.V.M.

March 31, 2008 – Spring is here and for many pet parents that means taking their family cats and dogs for their annual vet check-up to ensure they are in good health and prepared for the upcoming flea and tick season. As most people with pets know and have come to expect, the experience of going to the vet and leaving t home can be very stressful for both pets and pet parents due to many new sights, smells, sounds and sensations. By preparing your pet for their annual visit with few simple measures, the experience can be made less stressful for all.

“It’s important to prepare yourself and your pet for the abrupt change in environment and uncertainty that veterinarian visits entail,” said Dr. Debra Nickelson, D.V.M.  “Using pheromone based products such as Comfort Zone® with Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P.®) can be a tremendous aid in helping dogs remain calm in high stress scenarios.  Similarly, Comfort Zone® with Feliway® is an effective tool for diminishing cat’s territorial tendencies to scratch and mark, and will help them feel at home while in a travel crate, containing an application of the product, outside of the home.”

To make the trip to the veterinarian easier on the pet parent, pet, and vet staff, take into consideration all aspects of the vet visit and try these simple solutions:

Crate comfort:
Many pets, especially cats, are placed into a crate when traveling in the car. Pet parents can make the crated car ride to the vet less stressful by allowing their pet to become familiar and comfortable around their crate a week prior to their scheduled vet visit.  Keeping the crate out for your pet to investigate or placing them in the crate for short periods of time will condition them to feel more at ease and will reduce their reluctance to enter and exit their crate on their own. Pets that are apprehensive toward riding in cars will also benefit from taking a few short rides around the neighborhood prior to a vet visit.

Preparation for the car ride: 
Preparing in advance is the best way to ensure the ride to the veterinarian office goes smoothly.  Pets may become carsick as a result of motion sickness or stress caused by being removed from their normal environment.  To decrease the likelihood of your pet becoming anxious or ill while traveling, pet parents should be sure their pet has recently gone to the bathroom before entering the car and has been fed at least five hours prior to the car ride.  Pheromone based products, such as Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® will help to calm and soothe dogs having trouble coping with the stress of the car ride, reducing any general hyperactivity, barking or excessive panting that may occur.

“Usually my dog is a nightmare when she goes for a car ride,” said Paul Peterson, pet parent to golden retriever, Bella.  “I had a Comfort Zone wipe and rubbed it on her collar before we left for the vet and I found it helped reduce her agitation significantly during the car ride.”

In the waiting room: 
Upon entering most vet offices, pet and pet parents must wait in an area filled with not only other pets, but a plethora of unfamiliar smells and noises. Some pets may find this situation stressful which is why it’s a good idea to keep them crated if that is how they traveled. Provide plenty of attention and praise to help them remain calm and distract them from their surroundings. To keep pets safe from other animals in the waiting room, pet parents should always make sure their dog or cat is on a leash.

During the exam: 
Once in the exam room, pets will likely be placed on a table to be assessed by the vet. The combination of being in a foreign environment, isolated up on a table and touched by an unknown person can cause extreme levels of stress in dogs and cats.  It is important to comfort your pet with petting and verbal praise to help alleviate any stress.

Follow-up: 
Despite returning your pet to the comfort of their home and normal environment, many pets may continue to show signs of stress in the hours after a vet visit.  If they seem anxious and whine excessively, be sure to act normal making sure not to provide excessive attention, as this will only reinforce their stress. If your pet is having a difficult time calming down from the ordeal, provide them with plenty of exercise such as a trip to the dog park, their favorite special treat or a new fun toy. It is also important to stay home with your pet for several hours following a vet visit to help reassure them that life has returned to normal.

Pet parents looking for additional tips and advice can visit http://www.petcomfortzone.com/pet-advice.php for more information.